February 16, 2020

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany: The Rev. Joe Cochran

The Gospel of Matthew 5:21-37

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”

Cathedral of the Incarnation hopes to expand

Our Cathedral of the Incarnation has launched a capital campaign called Open Doors Open Hearts. Cathedral leadership, along with Bishop Sutton and Bishop Ihloff, are asking for support from the rest of our diocese. Aspects of this project will transform our cathedral grounds and diocesan center into a destination spot for parish retreats. Plans for the green space on the north side of our property include a labyrinth and spiritual walkway with garden rooms and places for meditation and education about the environment. Learn more about this project and give a gift here.

February 9, 2020

The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. The Rev. Joe Cochran.

Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Thanksgiving Day at St. James

The 69th Blessing of the Hounds with the Elkridge Harford Hunt.

Pastor Joe’s homily: Thanksgiving Day 2018 Sermon

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR THANKSGIVING DAY VOLUNTEERS:

THANKSGIVING EUCHARIST: The  Altar Guild, director Barbara Roberts, and all those who donated fruits and vegetables for the decorations. Music Director Michael Morgan and the organist, trumpeter, choir. Our liturgy participants: readers, chalicists, acolytes and flag bearers, ushers.

Blessing Event Organizer – Rob Shaull; Event Organizer Emeritus – Bonnie Demyan

Set Up – Ed Tillman, Frank Durkee, Don Greenawalt

Lunch House – Nancy & Tom Dewlin, Glenn McCalley, Karen Heidelbach and her dad – also wrapping paper sales

Parking & Donations Collectors – Debbie Kissinger, Sandra Kull & Maddie Bulgin, Sally & Bayly Buck, Ed Tillman, Rich Warnsmann, George Clarke, George Shuppert, Bill Kramer, Alan Leroy, George Miller, Liz & Michael Smith,Emerson & Pepper Smith – Our best donation collectors extraordinaire

Photographers – Nancy Dewlin – on the field; Phyllis Shuppert – church

Sound System – Bill Miinor, Rick Hyman

Museum Window – Sandy Patterson

Baltimore Sun article

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